15 companies hiring in January

January is a month filled with promise. It's the start of a new year and a chance to wipe the slate clean and make improvements in one's personal and professional life. The gyms are packed, as people resolve to get into better shape. Grocery carts are filled with fruits and vegetables, as vows are made to eat healthier this year.

Job hunts also kick into high gear, as job seekers commit to finding a new or better opportunity. To help, here are 15 companies hiring in January:


1. AWS/Benchmark Human Services

• Industry: Health services/social services
• Sample job titles: Direct support professional, social worker, caregiver, registered nurse, job coach
• Location: Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Tennessee

2. Bravo Brio Restaurant Group

• Industry: Restaurants
• Sample job titles: Server, chef, sous chef, assistant general manager, general manager
• Location: Ohio, Maryland, New Jersey, Kentucky, Texas, Nebraska, Nevada, New York

3. BrightStar Care

• Industry: Home health care/medical and nonmedical services
• Sample job titles: Home health aide, licensed practical nurse, registered nurse, sales/marketing manager
• Location: Nationwide

4. Certified Payment Processing

• Industry: Banking/financial services
• Sample job titles: Outside sales/account executive
• Location: Nationwide

5. Diversified Sourcing Solutions

• Industry: Staffing (construction, manufacturing, hospitality)
• Sample job titles: Retail warehouse associate, experienced forklift technician, general labor
• Location: Lakeland, Tampa and Miami, Fla.; Southaven, Miss.; Arlington, Texas

6. Genesis 10

• Industry: Staffing/recruiting
• Sample job titles: Desktop support, business systems analyst, IT support, systems engineer, project manager, .Net developer
• Location: New York, Minnesota, Michigan, Kansas, Missouri, Wisconsin, Ohio, Georgia

7. Mindteck

• Industry: Information technology/product engineering services
• Sample job titles: Java developer, .Net developer, business analyst, project manager, electrical engineer, application developer, systems engineer
• Location: Nationwide

8. NextGen Information Services

• Industry: IT
• Sample job titles: Data architect, network architect, .Net/Silverlight developer, Web content management/WCM developer
• Location: St. Louis, Denver, Chicago, Atlanta

9. Novetta Solutions

• Industry: IT government contracting
• Sample job titles: Software engineer, data architect, systems engineer
• Location: Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, California, Colorado, New York, Florida, Nebraska

10. PennyMac

• Industry: Mortgage lending
• Sample job titles: Mortgage underwriting, loan origination, loan servicing, auditing
• Location: California, Florida, Minnesota, Nevada, Hawaii

11. Progressive Casualty Insurance

• Industry: Insurance
• Sample job titles: Customer service call center representative, claims adjuster
• Location: Nationwide

12. RDO Equipment

• Industry: Skilled labor/retail
• Sample job titles: Service technician, parts specialist, sales professional, general manager, department manager
• Location: Nationwide

13. Stanley Black & Decker

• Industry: Industrial/security
• Sample job titles: Senior network engineer, district sales manager, install technician, executive security consultant, route sales/management
• Location: Nationwide

14. Titlemax

• Industry: Consumer services
• Sample job titles: Store manager, district manager, bilingual customer service representative, commercial construction field estimator, customer service representative, general manager trainee, store manager trainee, regional manager
• Location: Nationwide

15. Tyson Foods

• Industry: Food processing
• Sample job titles: Margin manager, maintenance supervisor, product manager, account manager
• Location: Includes Springdale, Ark.; Cherokee, Iowa; Robards, Ky.; and Center, Texas

Source: AOL

A closer look at the fast-growing technology field

We live in a technology-driven society, always awaiting the next big technology breakthrough. We wait in line for the newest phone, only to do it all over again once the next version debuts. Handwritten notes have been replaced by emails, which are quickly being replaced by texts and instant messages. A flat-screen TV is nice, but one equipped with 3D technology is even better.
This thirst for the newest, most innovative technologies isn't likely to be quenched anytime soon, ensuring that the need for workers in the technology field will continue to grow. According to workforce and staffing solutions company Kelly Services, U.S. computer-related or technology occupations are expected to grow at a much stronger rate (21.8 percent) than overall employment (14.3 percent) through 2020.  These occupations make up 49 percent of overall STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) employment, and STEM jobs are seen as essential to a growing economy and vital to the nation's competitiveness.
If you want to know which IT jobs are growing, what they pay and the skills they require, here's a closer look:

The fastest-growing IT jobs
Demand for these workers is being driven by the increased need for businesses, government and other organizations to design, adopt and leverage the latest technologies. Yet some IT occupations are growing at a faster pace than others. The five fastest-growing IT jobs through 2020 include:
1. Software developer, systems software
Percent growth: 32.4
2011 average annual salary: $100,420
2. Database administrator
Percent growth: 30.6
2011 average annual salary: $77,350
3. Network and computer systems administrator
Percent growth: 27.8
2011 average annual salary: $74,270
4. Software developer, applications
Percent growth: 27.6
2011 average annual salary: $92,080
5. Computer systems analyst
Percent growth: 22.1
2011 average annual salary: $82,320
Markets with the most opportunity
Technology jobs can be found in virtually every U.S. market, and given the nature of the work, many roles may allow for telecommuting. However, certain U.S. markets have a strong concentration and a substantial volume of IT jobs compared to total employment.
The following 10 metropolitan areas are expected to grow their IT employment by more than 8 percent in the next five years:

• Atlanta
• Austin, Texas
• Baltimore
• Boston
• Columbus, Ohio
• Dallas
• San Francisco
• San Jose, Calif.
• Seattle
• Washington, D.C.

The starting salaries to expect
If you're just starting college, you're not sure of your major, and you've always had an interest in technology, consider pursuing a computer-related degree. Not only is this area growing, but many occupations offer impressive salaries to boot. In fact, two out of the top five starting salaries for all majors went to computer grads. Computer engineering majors earn an average starting salary of $64,499, while computer science majors can expect $63,402.
The skills needed to excel
Workers interested in pursuing an IT or computer-related job should possess strong problem-solving, analytical and communication skills. Yet employers are also looking for individuals who want to push the boundaries of technology by using their imagination and creativity. Given what already has been discovered, who knows what the next generation of IT innovators will create next.



Source: careerbuilder

8 of the best jobs in finance

A business can't function without somebody managing its money, and that need has created a variety of roles in finance. From finding ways to efficiently use funds to ensuring that the business' finances are legally organized, there are more ways than ever before to manage a company's assets.
If you're interested in a career in finance, check out eight of the best jobs in the field. These jobs have a median annual pay of $60,000-plus and are projected to grow as fast as or faster than the average for all occupations through 2020.
1. Management analyst
2010 median pay: $78,160
Job outlook, 2010-20: 22 percent (faster than average)
Description: Management analysts, often called management consultants, propose ways to improve an organization's efficiency. They advise managers on how to make organizations more profitable through reduced costs and increased revenues.
2. Financial examiner
2010 median pay: $74,940
Job outlook, 2010-20: 27 percent (faster than average)
Description: Financial examiners ensure compliance with laws governing financial institutions and transactions. They review balance sheets, evaluate the risk level of loans and assess bank management.
3. Financial analyst
2010 median pay: $74,350
Job outlook, 2010-20: 23 percent (faster than average)
Description: Financial analysts provide guidance to businesses and individuals making investment decisions. They assess the performance of stocks, bonds and other types of investments.
4. Logistician
2010 median pay: $70,800
Job outlook, 2010-20: 26 percent (faster than average)
Description: Logisticians analyze and coordinate an organization's supply chain -- the system that moves a product from supplier to consumer. They manage the entire life cycle of a product, which includes how a product is acquired, distributed, allocated and delivered.
5. Budget analyst
2010 median pay: $68,200
Job outlook, 2010-20: 10 percent (about as fast as average)
Description: Budget analysts help public and private institutions organize their finances. They prepare budget reports and monitor institutional spending.
6. Personal financial adviser
2010 median pay: $64,750
Job outlook, 2010-20: 32 percent (much faster than average)
Description: Personal financial advisers give financial advice to individuals and families. They help with investments, taxes and insurance decisions.
7. Accountant or auditor
2010 median pay: $61,690
Job outlook, 2010-20: 16 percent (about as fast as average)
Description: Accountants and auditors prepare and examine financial records. They ensure that financial records are accurate and that taxes are paid properly and on time. Accountants and auditors assess financial operations and work to help ensure that organizations run efficiently.
8. Market research analyst
2010 median pay: $60,570
Job outlook, 2010-20: 41 percent (much faster than average)
Description: Market research analysts study market conditions in local, regional or national areas to examine potential sales of a product or service. They help companies understand what products people want, who will buy them and at what price.
To find more finance-related jobs, visit MoneyJobs, a website that connects experienced financial professionals and matches them with relevant opportunities.



Source: careerbuilder

7 Careers For Foodies

Last November, we ran "Eat, Pray, Find a Job" featuring a delectable selection of our favorite food-based jobs-from dietitian to flavor chemist. Here's a second edition. To turn your passion for edible goods into a successful job, read on for some delicious inspiration:

1. Analyze Food as a Food Scientist
Food scientists develop innovative ways to create safe, durable and tasty food. Instead of a kitchen, you're usually found in a lab or a processing plant, improving packaging methods, experimenting with new preservative techniques or studying food-related illness. In short, you make the world a more healthy, nutritious and flavorful place to live.

• Average Salary: $34,000 – $106,000

2. Celebrate Food as a Corporate Caterer
Company Christmas parties. Holiday conventions. End-of-year galas. If a large group is gathered, you amplify the seasonal spirit with appetizing noshies and decadent meals. Between coordinating servers, dreaming up creative menus and ensuring everything is piping hot, you get to sample your wares-just to be sure you're providing the best possible eating experience.

• Average Salary: $23,000 – $71,000

3. Balance Food as a Nutritionist
While nutritionists are often associated with restriction and the dreaded "D" word (diet), a lot of your work is about sharing new flavors and ways of enjoying food. Using your nutritional expertise, you help clients create healthy menus full of delicious and oh-so-good-for-you ingredients.

• Average Salary: $33,000 – $75,000

4. Glorify Food as a Food Photographer
Food photographers know how to capture the luscious red of a ripe strawberry, the mouth-watering steam rising off a sizzling steak and the creamy radiance of a spoonful of gelato. From blog images to glossy magazine shoots, you're in the business of making breakfast, lunch and dinner shine.

• Average Salary: $17,000 – $63,000

5. Market Food as a Culinary Strategy Consultant
Standing at the corner of culinary arts and business marketing, you steer chefs, restaurants and food companies in the right direction. Working on projects ranging from recipe development, food trend tracking and product rebranding, your fresh advice helps get food into the hands of hungry consumers.

• Average Salary: $17,000 – $63,000

6. Study Food as a Food Anthropologist
Food anthropologists explore how making, eating and thinking about food shapes cultures across history. This wide-ranging field can take you into any number of sub-specialties, as you research the intersection of food, religion, economy, art, migration, agriculture and more. Basically, this is a dream job for intellectually-inclined foodies.

• Average Salary: $31,000 – $89,000

7. Invent Food as a Research & Development Chef
Want to get paid to experiment in the kitchen? R&D chefs mix creativity and culinary science to whip up new dishes for restaurants and food companies. And this job comes with sweet perks: while you'll log a lot of hours in the kitchen, many R&D chefs also take time to travel the world in search of tasty inspiration.

• Average Salary: $34,000 – $106,000

Source: AOL

8 part-time jobs you might have overlooked

When you think of part-time work, jobs in retail, sales or restaurants might come to mind. While hourly employment in those fields is plentiful, you might be overlooking the many other industries that need part timers.
Here are eight jobs you might have missed in your part-time job hunt.
1. Caterer: Perhaps you strive to be a chef or enjoy event planning. A catering role would enable you to gain experience with food preparation, customer service and event execution. Look for employment at restaurants that have catering divisions, full-service event planning organizations or private catering companies. Who knows, once you have some part-time experience under your belt, you may be ready to venture out on your own.
Pay: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2010 median pay for food preparation workers was $9.18 per hour. However, compensation will vary based on the specific job and type of company.

2. Chauffeur: Some people love to drive, while others avoid it as much as possible. If you're part of the former group, and you're looking for a part-time job that gets you cruising, consider becoming a driver or chauffeur. According to the BLS, workers in this role transport passengers via limousines, vans or private cars. As a chauffeur, you may work for a private business, a family, the government or yourself. Hours vary greatly, and you may need to make pickups early in the morning or late at night.
Pay: The 2010 median pay for chauffeurs was $10.79 per hour, as listed in the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

3. Dog walker: If you're an animal lover who knows the basics of caring for a pet, consider a part-time position as a dog walker. Dog walkers are often employed by owners who work full-time jobs and aren't able to come home during the day to give their pooches some exercise and allow them to relieve themselves. Dog walkers usually have more than one pet to take care of, so be sure you're strong -- and patient -- enough to wrangle a bunch of rowdy dogs.
Pay: Dogwalker.com, a website that connects owners with local walkers, says that factors determining pay vary, but the typical dog-walker rate is anywhere from $10 to $30 per 30-minute walk.

4. Fitness instructor: While many people consider exercising a necessary evil, if you're one of those people who enjoy working out, why not channel that energy into the role of fitness instructor? As an instructor, you'll be responsible for everything from creating the class format, to instructing participants on the moves, to ensuring the exercises are being done properly and safely. Depending on the gym, classes usually run throughout the day, so you can plan your schedule around other commitments. Plus, opportunities for trainers are only getting better; the BLS predicts that employment will grow by 24 percent from 2010 to 2020, a pace that's faster than average for all occupations.
Pay: Fitness trainers and aerobics instructors make an average of $17.38 an hour, according to the BLS.

5. Massage therapist: To become a massage therapist, you'll need to complete a training program that can require 500 hours or more of study and experience, notes the BLS. Most states require that massage therapists have a certificate in order to practice professionally. If you're interested in pursuing work as a part-time massage therapist, you'll need physical stamina, strength and dexterity, and empathy to ensure a positive client experience. Employees in this field typically work in private offices, spas, hospitals, fitness centers or shopping malls. The majority work part time; only 25 percent work full time.
Pay: According to the BLS, massage therapists make an average hourly wage of $19.19.

6. Mystery shopper: Mystery shoppers are hired to pose as regular shoppers and visit retail stores to evaluate the customer experience. While this role is good for someone who enjoys shopping, contrary to popular belief, you aren't being paid to shop. According to the Mystery Shopping Providers Association, it's a serious business, and you'll be expected to make specific observations about such things as the environment, product quality and level of customer service. Upon leaving the establishment, you'll be asked to complete a report that ultimately will help the business improve training programs, better articulate expectations to employees and improve client interaction.
Pay: While fees may vary, the MSPA reports that mystery shoppers can make between $8 and $20 for the "typical" shopping scenario.

7. Translator: If you're fluent in one or more languages, consider part-time work as a translator. The BLS predicts that this field will grow by 42 percent -- much faster than average – between 2010 and 2020, reflecting an increasingly diverse U.S. population and the rapid global expansion of businesses. Translators often work from home, which is convenient since hours fluctuate greatly -- alternating between periods of limited work and long, irregular hours. Education backgrounds for translators vary, but it's important to be fluent in English and at least one other language. Some may need to complete job-specific training programs.
Pay: Translator jobs can pay well, with median pay at $20.82 per hour, according to the BLS. 

8. Umpire, referee or other sports official: Sports lovers, listen up. Whether you're a retired player or coach, or just someone who is passionate and knowledgeable about a particular sport, this might be your perfect part-time job. According to career exploration website O*Net, this role involves officiating sports events, games or competitions to maintain the standard of play and ensure that rules are observed. It may also require inspecting equipment, judging and awarding points and resolving claims of rule infractions, among other duties. While hours vary, and most work part time, you have to be willing to give up your nights, weekends and holidays. 
Pay: As of 2011, the median annual salary for umpires, referees and other sports officials was $23,190, as reported by O*Net.



Source: careerbuilder

14 jobs that pay 6 figures

Six-figure salaries are usually designated for the highest positions in particular fields and reward the amount of education and career experience it takes to earn them. From science to health care to finance, nearly every field offers opportunities to earn six figures.

Browse these 14 jobs that pay six figures, and determine if your career path may lead to one of these attractive paychecks.

1. Advertising, promotions and marketing manager*
What they do: Advertising, promotions and marketing managers plan programs to generate interest in a product or service. They work with art directors, sales agents and financial staff members.
2010 median pay: $108,260
2. Air traffic controller
What they do: Air traffic controllers coordinate the movement of air traffic to ensure that planes stay safe distances apart.
2010 median pay: $108,040
3. Architectural and engineering manager
What they do: Architectural and engineering managers plan, coordinate and direct activities in architecture and engineering, including research and development.
2010 median pay: $119,260
4. Chief executive officer
What they do: Chief executives devise strategies and policies to ensure that an organization meets its goals. They plan, direct and coordinate operational activities of companies and public- or private-sector organizations.
2010 median pay: $101,250
5. Computer and information systems manager
What they do: Computer and information systems managers, often called IT managers or IT project managers, plan, coordinate and direct computer-related activities in an organization. They help determine the IT goals of an organization and are responsible for implementing the appropriate computer systems to meet those goals.
2010 median pay: $115,780
6. Dentist
What they do: Dentists diagnose and treat problems with a patient's teeth, gums and other parts of the mouth. They provide advice and instruction on taking care of teeth and gums and on diet choices that affect oral health.
2010 median pay: $146,920
7. Financial manager
What they do: Financial managers are responsible for the financial health of an organization. They produce financial reports, direct investment activities and develop strategies and plans for the long-term financial goals of their organization.
2010 median pay: $103,910
8. Lawyer
What they do: Lawyers advise and represent individuals, businesses or government agencies on legal issues or disputes.
2010 median pay: $112,760
9. Natural science manager
What they do: Natural sciences managers supervise the work of scientists, including chemists, physicists and biologists. They direct research and development projects and coordinate activities such as testing, quality control and production.
2010 median pay: $116,020
10. Petroleum engineer
What they do: Petroleum engineers design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from deposits below the earth's surface. Petroleum engineers also find new ways to extract oil and gas from older wells.
2010 median pay: $114,080
11. Pharmacist
What they do: Pharmacists dispense prescription medications to patients and offer advice on their safe use.
2010 median pay: $111,570
12. Physician and surgeon
 What they do: Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries and illnesses in patients. Physicians examine patients, take medical histories, prescribe medications and order, perform and interpret diagnostic tests. Surgeons operate on patients to treat injuries, such as broken bones; diseases, such as cancerous tumors; and deformities, such as cleft palates.
2010 median pay: Equal to or greater than $166,400 per year
13. Physicist
What they do: Physicists study the fundamental nature of the universe, ranging from the vastness of space to the smallest of subatomic particles. They develop new technologies, methods and theories based on the results of their research that deepen our understanding of how things work and contribute to innovative, real-world applications.
2010 median pay: $105,430
14. Podiatrist
What they do: Podiatrists provide medical and surgical care for people suffering foot, ankle and lower-leg problems. They diagnose illnesses, treat injuries and perform surgery.
2010 median pay: $118,030



Source: careerbuilder

Top 10 Worst And Best Jobs This Year

If you've ever watched a TV news reporter deliver a live report and thought, "that'd be a great job," think again. Broadcast journalists, along with their print brethren, newspaper reporters, are among the worst professions in the U.S., according to new survey by CareerCast.

One reason those two positions rank as low as, say, butchers and dairy farmers, is simple: the pay is low. Broadcasters earn an average $27,324 a year, while newspaper reporters -- at $35,725 -- do only slightly better. Butchers and dairy farmers, meanwhile, earn about the same: $29,156 and $33,119, respectively.

It isn't only meager earnings-potential, however, that makes these jobs and other low-rated professions among the worst jobs of 2012, the job-search portal says. Other factors include poor working conditions, high stress and long hours.

That's likely one reason that enlisted military personnel for the first time were included among this year's worst jobs. The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq resulted in many military members being deployed multiple times to areas of conflict, exacting a toll on both their professional and personal lives. Further, at an average annual income of $36,261, no one in the enlisted ranks is getting rich.

But it isn't all doom and gloom. On the other end of the spectrum, there are jobs that -- as CareerCast Publisher Tony Lee puts it -- "have few physical demands, minimal stress, a good working environment and a strong hiring outlook."

Those include jobs such as software engineer (average annual salary, $88,142), which topped this year's list. Other winners include: human-resource manager ($99,191); dental hygienist ($68,109); and financial planner ($104,161).
Those jobs, as with many others that ranked high, generally require a college degree, suggesting that despite the recent debate about the value of attending college, those who do tend to have better jobs.
"While it's true that some people are happy washing dishes, waiting tables or slicing meat as a career, job seekers who want to compete for the nation's best jobs need to gain a competitive edge by expanding their knowledge and skill set with a college education," Lee says.

He adds that many of the nation's worst jobs don't even require a high-school diploma.

 To see how the best and worst jobs of 2012 fared, check out CareerCast's latest rankings.

Best Jobs in 2012 vs. How They Fared in 2011; Midlevel Income

• 1. Software Engineer (no change); $88,142
• 2. Actuary (up 1); $88,202
• 3. Human Resources Manager (new job for 2012); $99,102
• 4. Dental Hygienist (up 6) $68,109
• 5. Financial Planner (up 10); $104,161
• 6. Audiologist (up 3); $67,137
• 7. Occupational Therapist (up 10); $72,110
• 8. Online Advertising Manager (new for 2012); $87,255
• 9. Computer Systems Analyst (up 4); $78,148
• 10. Mathematician (down 7); $99,191

Worst Jobs in 2012 and How They Fared in 2011; Midlevel Income

• 200. Lumberjack (down 2); $32,114
• 199. Dairy Farmer (down 15); $33,119
• 198. Enlisted Military Personnel (new job for 2012); $36,261
• 197. Oil Rig Worker (up 3); $32,132
• 196. Newspaper Reporter (down 8); $35,275
• 195. Waiter/Waitress (down 56); $18,088
• 194. Meter Reader (down 2); $35,171
• 193. Dishwasher (down 26); $18,044
• 192. Butcher (down 10); $29,156
• 191. Broadcaster (down 63); $27,324

Source: AOL